Fernie mayor acclaimed as VP at UBCM

Fernie Mayor Ange Qualizza has been acclaimed as first vice president (VP) at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).

She moved up from second VP on the executive at the 2022 UBCM convention in Whistler. UBCM is the peak body of municipalities in the province and advocates on their behalf to the provincial government.

Qualizza first became a VP at UBCM in 2020, when she was elected third VP in a contested election. She moved up to second VP last year unopposed.

“I am very thankful to have been acclaimed for Vice President of UBCM, having the support of my peers to represent them in a time where local governments have never felt more vulnerable is something I am very proud of,” she said.

“For Fernie, my role as Vice President means I will continue to work closely with Ministers, and Ministerial staff to ensure we are heard, our unique needs are being raised, and that we continue being successful pulling investment out of the lower mainland and into our community.”

She said that there was a lot to do with regards to advocating on behalf of all local governments in the province.

“We are in a health care crisis, a mental health crisis, an education crisis, a housing crisis and a climate crisis. The challenges we face are enormous and having a seat at the table trying to design solutions to these problems to support not just Fernie, but communities like ours, is critical to our success.”

Also at the UBCM convention, Whistler councillor Jen Ford was acclaimed as president of the executive, while Campbell River councillor Claire Moglove was acclaimed as second VP and councillor Trish Mandewo of the City of Coquitlam won a contested election to become third VP.

READ MORE: Fernie mayor unopposed in bid to be First VP at UBCM